# 1,400 new words enter Merriam-Webster dictionary

> Merriam-Webster added slang, dating terms, AI jargon, and food words that reflect how we talk today.
- Title: 1,400 new words enter Merriam-Webster dictionary | Shortify
- Summary: Merriam-Webster added slang, dating terms, AI jargon, and food words that reflect how we talk today. Dictionaries update by tracking widespread use over…
- Keywords: merriam-webster, dictionary, new words, glow-up, cuffing season, internet slang, social media, artificial intelligence, language evolution, looksmaxxing, rickroll, mandela effect
- Source: ABC7 New York — https://abc7ny.com/story/glow-cuffing-season-among-1400-new-words-added-merriam-webster-dictionary/19844014
- Published: 2026-09-17T18:15:54+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: merriam-webster, dictionary, new words, glow-up, cuffing season, internet slang, social media, artificial intelligence, language evolution, looksmaxxing, rickroll, mandela effect
## Merriam-Webster adds 1,400 words
The dictionary expanded with new entries reflecting internet slang, dating terminology, AI jargon, and food words that show how language is changing.

> The new entries reflect words and meanings that have demonstrated widespread use over time, offering a window into the world today.
## Glow-up gets official definition
Merriam-Webster defines glow-up as a usually dramatic enhancement to someone's or something's physical appearance, and called the new word additions a glow-up of its own.

> a usually dramatic enhancement especially to someone's or something's physical appearance
## Cuffing season enters the dictionary
The phrase describes when single people look for short-term romantic partners as temperatures drop and colder months approach.

> a time of the year when people who are not married or in a relationship begin looking for a short-term romantic partner
## Internet culture dominates new words
Looksmaxxing, parasocial, Rickroll, meme coin, promposal, and the Mandela Effect all entered the dictionary, reflecting social media's influence on language.
## AI and tech terms get added
Vibe coding, AGI (artificial general intelligence), compute as a noun, and uncanny valley all entered the dictionary as technology reshapes how we communicate.
## Food, slang, and culture round it out
Cake pop, shishito, bao, chili crisp, crashout, copium, trash panda, and Sunday scaries joined the dictionary alongside yacht rock and California sober.
## Key takeaway

Dictionaries update by tracking widespread use over time, not just what's trending.